The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is enhancing the country’s border security by launching the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve national security through digital transformation.
This initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to modernize and strengthen the nation’s security infrastructure.
According to Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, APIS is a globally recognized system that enables authorities to conduct advanced screenings of passengers before their arrival. This proactive approach enhances risk assessment and facilitates smoother, more efficient immigration procedures.
During a Malacañang press briefing on Friday, Castro revealed that Cebu Pacific is the first airline to fully integrate with the APIS system. She further stated that other major carriers, including Philippine Airlines (PAL), will be required to adopt APIS once the initial integration phase proves to be seamless and error-free.
“Once everything runs smoothly, the system will be mandatory for all airlines,” Castro confirmed.
Additionally, Castro highlighted that the BI has completed a connectivity test with Interpol’s I-24/7 database. This integration ensures the BI has direct access to the global security watchlist, significantly enhancing its ability to monitor and collaborate with international law enforcement agencies in real-time.
